University Southern California Trojans
2018 Game 6: USC vs. Colorado
October 12, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
It's Trojan Family Weekend at the Coliseum.
USC Trojans (3-2, 2-1) vs. No. 19 Colorado Buffaloes (5-0, 2-0)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on FS1
Buffalo to Watch: Sophomore WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
All Trojan eyes will be on the nation's leading receiver on Saturday in the Coliseum. The sophomore has emerged from obscurity, catching a total of 7 passes last season, to dominate Colorado's first five opponents. He has at least one receiving touchdown in every game and topped the 100-yard mark in all but one. He is also dynamic as a runner, particularly out of a Wildcat package, scoring four touchdowns on the ground. As a receiver, Shenault is particularly tough after the catch, having broken 19 tackles this season, 5 more than any other wideout in the nation, per PFF College.
Click here for more on the Buffaloes.
3 Keys
So Fresh and So Clean
USC has had two weeks to self-scout and self-evaluate after a maddening performance in Tucson, which saw the Trojans at their best (24-0 lead on the road) and worst (18 penalties and 3 turnovers). The first five games have been marked by inconsistency and that needs to end if USC wants to retain its spot atop the Pac-12 and stay on the path to another Rose Bowl. The coaching staff focused on the fundamentals during the week off and provided much needed rest to several key players. The Trojans need to show that they are rejuvenated and ready to play a complete game.
Communicate and Tackle
Senior LB Cameron Smith is "50-50 at best" to play on Saturday as a hamstring strain grabbed him in practice this week. Freshman Palaie Gaoteote would likely start in the captain's absence. Smith has led the team in tackles in every game, so the rest of the defense will have to pick up the slack against Colorado's dynamic playmakers. And, Smith does so much to get everyone lined up correctly on every play as the quarterback of the defense, so communication will be key if new voices have to step up.
Raise the Bar
Colorado's opponents are 6-22 this season, so while the Buffaloes are undefeated, they are also largely untested. Meanwhile, USC has played one of the nation's toughest schedules to date, and while that has revealed some weaknesses, it also has the Trojans battle-tested. USC will be tasked with shining a light on what Colorado does not do well and then exposing it on the big stage. Of note, the Buffaloes' defensive statistics have been solid but unspectacular despite the level of competition, so the Trojans offense could be in for a big night if the offensive line gives JT Daniels and the playmakers some room to work.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on FS1
Buffalo to Watch: Sophomore WR Laviska Shenault Jr.All Trojan eyes will be on the nation's leading receiver on Saturday in the Coliseum. The sophomore has emerged from obscurity, catching a total of 7 passes last season, to dominate Colorado's first five opponents. He has at least one receiving touchdown in every game and topped the 100-yard mark in all but one. He is also dynamic as a runner, particularly out of a Wildcat package, scoring four touchdowns on the ground. As a receiver, Shenault is particularly tough after the catch, having broken 19 tackles this season, 5 more than any other wideout in the nation, per PFF College.
Click here for more on the Buffaloes.
3 Keys
So Fresh and So Clean
USC has had two weeks to self-scout and self-evaluate after a maddening performance in Tucson, which saw the Trojans at their best (24-0 lead on the road) and worst (18 penalties and 3 turnovers). The first five games have been marked by inconsistency and that needs to end if USC wants to retain its spot atop the Pac-12 and stay on the path to another Rose Bowl. The coaching staff focused on the fundamentals during the week off and provided much needed rest to several key players. The Trojans need to show that they are rejuvenated and ready to play a complete game.
Communicate and Tackle
Senior LB Cameron Smith is "50-50 at best" to play on Saturday as a hamstring strain grabbed him in practice this week. Freshman Palaie Gaoteote would likely start in the captain's absence. Smith has led the team in tackles in every game, so the rest of the defense will have to pick up the slack against Colorado's dynamic playmakers. And, Smith does so much to get everyone lined up correctly on every play as the quarterback of the defense, so communication will be key if new voices have to step up.
Raise the Bar
Colorado's opponents are 6-22 this season, so while the Buffaloes are undefeated, they are also largely untested. Meanwhile, USC has played one of the nation's toughest schedules to date, and while that has revealed some weaknesses, it also has the Trojans battle-tested. USC will be tasked with shining a light on what Colorado does not do well and then exposing it on the big stage. Of note, the Buffaloes' defensive statistics have been solid but unspectacular despite the level of competition, so the Trojans offense could be in for a big night if the offensive line gives JT Daniels and the playmakers some room to work.
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